February 15, 2025
Modoc, US 20 F
Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Pencil Fire Burns Near Goose Lake

A new fire broke out in Modoc this week, which fortunately was seen from a look out and crews were dispatched quickly. The Pencil Fire was reported at around 2:11 p.m. on Monday the 23rd near McGinty Reservoir, and burned from 10 acres to an estimated 500 acres in just a few hours. 

The U.S. Forest Service – Modoc, with the help of many out of area resources, responded swiftly yesterday allowing them to gain quick control despite the heat and winds. There has been assistance from air tankers, helicopters and engines and those crews spent all night Monday working toward securing the perimeter using dozers and retardant. As of 2:15 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, more accurate mapping showed the actual acreage at 396 acres burned, with the perimeter 90 percent secured and a reported containment of 15 percent. Some portions of the fire are currently in mop up operations. 

“The crews have a good handle on the fire,” said U.S. Forest Service Modoc’s Public Affairs Specialist Suzi Johnson, “they’ve done really great work getting the fire contained and keeping it low.” 

It is believed that dry lightning was the source of ignition for the Pencil Fire, but that has not been confirmed and the official cause is still under investigation.

Previous Article

Bicyclist Killed in Collision on SR-299 Cedar Pass

Next Article

Citizens Encouraged to Volunteer for Grand Jury

You might be interested in …

Scholarships

Brennan is the son of Thomas and Tiffany Martinez from Lake City, CA. Brennan hasbeen involved in the Surprise Valley FFA, Superior Region FFA, Associated StudentBody Officer, and the Modoc County Junior Livestock Show Board […]

Modoc 4-H Shooting Sports Team

The Modoc 4H “Dirt Squirrels” Shooting Sports team competed in our Annual Top Shot Competition on Sunday April 14th. We had 22 members compete, disciplines offered were Rifle, Shotgun, Pistol, Muzzleloader and Archery. Our Top […]

Under COMMENTS section on page 2

Straightening the Record: Clarifying Changes and Intentions It’s crucial to clear the air and provide clarity amidst recent developments at the Modoc County Record. Over the past month, there have been significant changes, and it’s […]

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, We want to thank the Modoc County Sheriff’s Posse for putting on the horse show in memory of our daughter Aimee. We know how much work goes into putting it on. She loved […]

Letter to the Editor 

To the Editor, Fandango days are fast approaching . It is just not a day on the calendar, it’s a special day, the day we removed ourselves from tyranny. Remember it is our men and […]

JLS is coming in June 17th-22nd

The Modoc County Junior Livestock Show and Sale (usually referred to as “JLS”) is just around the corner-June 17th-22nd, 2024. Local 4-H and FFA members exhibit and sell their market animals at the Friday night […]

Swinerton Mountain View Project Prefab Walls

Progress continues to be made on Modoc Medical Center’s Mountain View Skilled Nursing Facility and hospital addition. This project marks Swinerton Builders’ second venture with MMC, equipping the team with invaluable experience dealing with Modoc’s […]

Gatherings

Friday April 12th Shop at Veterated Federated Thrift Shop is open Tuesday-Sat. 10:00-12:00 for warm clothing, household items and more. Located on North St. Alturas Bingo Bunch at Vets Hall So. Main St. Alturas on […]

Sheriff’s Bookings

In recent updates from the Modoc County Jail, a series of arrests and releases have been reported. As of Monday, the jail accommodates 30 individuals, consisting of 4 females and 26 males, with a total […]